May in North Carolina means it’s time to start making those summer plans, including planning for tropical storms. June 1 marks the beginning of hurricane season, which will go through Nov. 30, meaning now is the time to prepare.
Greene County Emergency Services urges residents to participate in Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 1-7, by updating their emergency plans and supplies kit.
Many Western North Carolina counties are still recovering from the devastation left behind after the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred dumped several inches of rain across western North Carolina, causing flooding, landslides and six deaths. Elsewhere in the state, counties are also recovering from the effects of Hurricane Isaias and the remnants of Hurricane Eta in 2020; Hurricane Dorian in 2019; Hurricane Florence as well as Tropical Storms Michael and Alberto in 2018; and Hurricane Matthew in 2016.
For families, as well as communities, being prepared could mean the difference between being a hurricane victim or a hurricane survivor. It is vital for everyone to have an emergency plan in place before a storm threatens Greene County. Greene County Emergency Services urges residents to take the time to write down your hurricane plan and update your emergency supplies kit with enough non-perishable food and water to last each person in your family a minimum of one week. Kits should also include:
- First-aid kit
- Weather radio and batteries
- Prescription medicines
- Sleeping bag or blankets
- Changes of clothes
- Hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant
- At least $200 in cash
- Pet supplies including food, water, bedding, leashes, muzzle and vaccination records
Stay informed when severe weather strikes by tuning in to local news or listening to a NOAA Weather Radio. Stay alert for evacuation information and know evacuation routes in your community. Heed the warnings from state and local officials and evacuate quickly when told to do so.
More information on severe weather and hurricane preparedness is located on www.ReadyNC.gov.
